Enhancing Your Leadership Potential with Jason Butwick, Partner at Dechert LLP | Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, Series 2 Episode 6

Welcome back to another series of the Black Lawyers Matter Podcast, brought to you by The Stephen James Partnership and Black Lawyers Matter!

 

In the final episode of Series 2, your host Samuel Clague, CEO and Founder of The Stephen James Partnership, is in conversations with Jason Butwick, Partner at Dechert LLP.

 

Jason's journey in the legal world began with a childhood fascination for courtroom dramas on TV, eventually leading him to qualify as an employment lawyer. Despite his initial interest in commercial litigation, Jason's career took an unexpected turn, catapulting him into a leadership role within the firm.

 

The narrative unfolds as Jason shares his trajectory from a trainee to a partner, taking on various pivotal leadership roles, including the prestigious position of Managing Partner. Central to his professional development was the transformative impact of executive coaching, a resource he credits for honing his leadership skills and boosting his confidence.

 

Diversity and inclusion emerge as key themes in Jason's story, as he passionately advocates for fostering an inclusive culture within the legal profession. He recounts his efforts in organising events to promote diversity and discusses the delicate balance between flexibility and collaboration in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

 

Mentors also played a crucial role in Jason's success, and he now pays it forward by mentoring and sponsoring others in their career journeys. The podcast also touches upon cultural shifts within the legal realm, particularly the challenges associated with flexible working arrangements and the increasing impact of technology, including AI.

 

Join us for a compelling exploration of Jason’s inspiring career, offering a wealth of wisdom for both seasoned legal professionals and aspiring individuals navigating the dynamic landscape of the legal profession.

 

Timestamped guide:

 

00:43 - At what point did you think about being a lawyer?

03:03 - What are some of your passions outside of law?

04:50 - What was it that first piqued your interest in employment law?

13:37 - How did you find the transition of taking on more responsibility?

15:28 - What were some of the challenges of that time?

20:12 - Post-coaching, how did you articulate back some of the ROI to the firm?

23:36 - Do you think there is an element of fatigue around DE&I in the legal profession?

28:23 - How has mentorship impacted your career?

31:07 - What are some of the biggest challenges for legal leaders and aspiring leaders?

34:54 - What advice would you give to the pre-partner you, today?

Connect with your host, Samuel Clague: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-clague-32911723/ 

 

Connect with your guest, Jason Butwick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbutwick/ 

 

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Explore more about The Stephen James Partnership here: https://thesjp.co.uk/

 

Learn about the Black Lawyers Matter mission here: https://thesjp.co.uk/diversity-programmes 

 

And discover SJP's Search and Advisory arm here: https://stephenandjames.co.uk/